New tattoo before BCT?

July 29th, 2012, 06:26 PM

Hey all,
I wanted to get some input from you guys about getting a new tattoo before BCT. The tattoo would not be in any violation of the tattoo policies. It will be placed on my chest and will be the latin quote: “Carpe diem quam minimum credula postero.“ Which means: "Seize the day, trusting as little as possible in the future." So it would be covered with any shirt and in know way is gang related or vulgar.

PS - keep in mind I already have ink that is more visible in PT uniforms and such that was not a problem with enlistment. Thanks guys!

Hey all,
I wanted to get some input from you guys about getting a new tattoo before BCT. The tattoo would not be in any violation of the tattoo policies. It will be placed on my chest and will be the latin quote: “Carpe diem quam minimum credula postero.“ Which means: "Seize the day, trusting as little as possible in the future." So it would be covered with any shirt and in know way is gang related or vulgar.

PS - keep in mind I already have ink that is more visible in PT uniforms and such that was not a problem with enlistment. Thanks guys!

No. Do not pass go. Do not collect $200.

When you went to MEPS the first time, they documented your tattoos to assist in identifying your body. The morning before you ship out, you're going to go to MEPS and get naked again. Your tattoo being on your chest and I'm assuming will be large, will appear fresh and will more than likely attract the attention of the MEPS guys. Obviously this will create problems as you will have a tattoo that they did not document previously.

So, unless you want to attract the attention of those oh so awesome MEPS personnel and possibly delay your ship, I'd stick it out until after IET.

Comment

I would have to agree that getting a new one may be frustrating when having to deal with the wonderful personnel at MEPS. I would love to get the work done but if it is really going to cause a big issue with MEPS or even delays in my processing, I'd rather not risk it. Just wasn't sure how big of an issue it would/could be.

Comment

I would have to agree that getting a new one may be frustrating when having to deal with the wonderful personnel at MEPS. I would love to get the work done but if it is really going to cause a big issue with MEPS or even delays in my processing, I'd rather not risk it. Just wasn't sure how big of an issue it would/could be.

Comment

When you went to MEPS the first time, they documented your tattoos to assist in identifying your body. The morning before you ship out, you're going to go to MEPS and get naked again. Your tattoo being on your chest and I'm assuming will be large, will appear fresh and will more than likely attract the attention of the MEPS guys. Obviously this will create problems as you will have a tattoo that they did not document previously.

So, unless you want to attract the attention of those oh so awesome MEPS personnel and possibly delay your ship, I'd stick it out until after IET.

It has nothing to do with ID'ing you. It has to do with three idiots at Ft Bragg, NG in the mid 90's who were white supremacists who decided to kill an innocent black couple walking down the road. It turned out they had pro- NAZI and other white supremacist tattoos.

It has nothing to do with ID'ing you. It has to do with three idiots at Ft Bragg, NG in the mid 90's who were white supremacists who decided to kill an innocent black couple walking down the road. It turned out they had pro- NAZI and other white supremacist tattoos.

Don't do it, just wait. I waited for mine after basic. I got my other 3 days before I (literally) got on the plane to Iraq and it was bugging the hell out of me for some reason. I took awesome care of it with A&D cream and such but it was just a pain. Don't do it.

Comment

I think I am going to wait. As much as I want it soon, I think I've decided it's best. Even though it would be healed before I leave, I'd rather not deal with MEPS. I talked to my recruiter and my RSP NCO and they both recommended to wait. Not that it would be a deal breaker but that it would probably be smart to wait. My RSP NCO told me I should wait to reward myself and aside from that, she says my wallet will be a lot fatter when I come back. Haha. Which I know it will. So it looks like I will wait. Thanks for all your input though!